Joseph Baratta is Global Head of Private Equity and a member of the firm's Management and Executive Committees.  Since joining Blackstone in 1998, Mr. Baratta has been involved in the execution of Blackstone’s investments in Universal Orlando, Nycomed Pharmaceuticals, Houghton Mifflin, Spirit Group and is responsible for Blackstone's investments in Seaworld Parks and Entertainment, Merlin Entertainments Group, Center Parcs, Tragus Group and ICS Group.  In 2001, Mr. Baratta moved to London to help establish Blackstone’s corporate private equity business in Europe.

Before joining Blackstone, Mr. Baratta was with Tinicum Incorporated, and McCowen De Leeuw & Company.  Mr. Baratta also worked at Morgan Stanley in its mergers and acquisitions department.

Mr. Baratta graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University where he currently serves on the University's Board of Regents and the Advisory Board of the McDonough School of Business. He serves as a director of Seaworld Parks and Entertainment, Merlin Entertainments Group, Center Parcs plc, Tragus Group plc and ICS Group.  He is also a trustee of the Private Equity Foundation.